Beef Picadillo Empanadas

Filling

Heat oil in sautépan over medium-high heat. Add beef and sauté, breaking up any chunks until nicely browned. Add onion and garlic; continue to sauté for 5 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes more. Season to taste and cool.

Dough

In a large bowl mix masa, salt and lard together. Gradually, add enough water to form a smooth soft dough. Divide into 30 walnut-size balls. Place a ball of dough between two pieces of plastic wrap and flatten into 6-inch circle with a tortilla press. Remove top layer of plastic and place 1 tablespoon of filling in center of dough. With fingertip or pastry brush, brush edges of dough with water. Fold over and seal. Remove from plastic and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat for all. Pan fry or deep fry in hot oil until nicely browned.